Powerball and Mega Millions are the two big multi-state jackpot games in the U.S., and they're often confused. Their jackpot odds are almost identical, but they differ in price, drawing days, multipliers and prizes. Here's how they compare.
The two games side by side
| Powerball | Mega Millions | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per play | $2 (+$1 for Power Play) | $5, multiplier included |
| Numbers | 5 of 69 + Powerball 1 of 26 | 5 of 70 + Mega Ball 1 of 24 |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Odds of any prize | 1 in 24.87 | 1 in 23 |
| Drawings | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10:59 PM ET | Tuesday and Friday, 11:00 PM ET |
| Where it's drawn | Tallahassee, Florida | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Starting jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Multiplier | Optional Power Play, 2X to 10X | Built in, 2X to 10X |
| Match 5 | $1 million ($2 million with Power Play) | $2 million to $10 million |
| Lowest prize | $4 | $10 |
| Record jackpot | $2.04 billion (2022) | $1.602 billion (2023) |
| Sold in | 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and the UK | 45 states, D.C. and U.S. Virgin Islands |
Which one has better odds?
For the jackpot, they're practically tied: 1 in 292.2 million for Powerball and 1 in 290.5 million for Mega Millions. For any prize, Mega Millions is slightly ahead, 1 in 23 against 1 in 24.87.
Per dollar, the picture changes. Because a Powerball play costs $2 and a Mega Millions play $5, the same $10 buys five Powerball plays or two Mega Millions plays. That gives you more chances at the jackpot with Powerball, while Mega Millions pays more for its lower prizes, since every play includes a multiplier. The odds in detail are in Powerball odds.
Price and multipliers
A Powerball play is $2, and Power Play is optional: $1 more to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2X to 5X, or 10X when the jackpot is $150 million or less. Mega Millions has cost $5 since April 2025, and the multiplier, from 2X to 10X, is built into every play.
That's why Mega Millions' smallest prize is $10 and its Match 5 pays between $2 million and $10 million, while Powerball's start at $4 and $1 million.
Drawing days
The two games never share a night: Powerball is drawn on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET in Tallahassee, and Mega Millions on Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET in Atlanta. Between them, there's a big jackpot drawing five nights a week. Powerball's schedule is in Powerball drawing time and place.
Jackpots
Both jackpots roll over with no cap and can be taken as a 30-payment annuity or a cash lump sum. Mega Millions starts higher, at $50 million against Powerball's $20 million, but Powerball holds the bigger records: the $2.04 billion of 2022, compared with Mega Millions' $1.602 billion of 2023, and eight jackpots of $1 billion or more. The list is in the biggest Powerball jackpots.
Since July 2026, Powerball's jackpot is also shared with players in the United Kingdom. Mega Millions is sold only in the U.S.
Where you can play them
Almost everywhere both are sold, you can play either one: since 2010, lotteries have been allowed to sell both games. The differences are small: Puerto Rico sells Powerball but not Mega Millions, and Powerball's Double Play add-on is only offered in some states. Neither game is sold in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada or Utah.
Which one should you play?
There's no better game, only one that suits you better. Powerball gives you more plays for your money and more drawings a week; Mega Millions gives you bigger lower-tier prizes with every play. Whichever you choose, set a budget first, and remember that neither has a way to improve your odds beyond buying more plays. Our tips for playing Powerball can help.
Frequently asked questions
Is Powerball or Mega Millions easier to win?
For the jackpot, they're almost the same: 1 in 292.2 million for Powerball and 1 in 290.5 million for Mega Millions. For any prize, Mega Millions is slightly better (1 in 23 vs. 1 in 24.87), but a play costs $5 instead of $2.
Are Powerball and Mega Millions the same game?
No. They're separate games with their own numbers, drawings, prizes and jackpots. Powerball is drawn on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; Mega Millions on Tuesday and Friday.
Which has the bigger jackpot record?
Powerball: $2.04 billion in November 2022. Mega Millions' record is $1.602 billion, in August 2023.
Can I play Powerball and Mega Millions in the same state?
Yes, in almost every state that has a lottery. The exception is Puerto Rico, which sells Powerball but not Mega Millions.
Last reviewed: . Independent information: official results are published by the lottery that runs the game.